Report: Delta Downs remains dark at night amid dispute

A dispute over a newly installed lighting system at Delta Downs is preventing the track from returning to night racing.

Thoroughbred Daily News reported that jockeys have objected to the system, saying that it is inconsistent, with shadows and hot spots.

As a result, the Louisiana State Racing Commission did not approve a return to night racing during an emergency meeting on Monday.

The new LED system was installed after a hurricane last year damaged the track's lights.

Steve Kuypers, vice president and general manager of Delta Downs said that in response to jockeys' concerns, improvements have been ma de to the system, according to the report.

Delta's new lighting system had been operational for three races on the first night program of the season on Oct. 15 when a horse fell at the top of the stretch, according to the report. The remainder of that card and the Oct. 16 program were cancelled. Delta has raced only afternoons since then.